Julia Lamarre Jackson, 34, of West Mount Airy, is engaged to Jason L. Duffus, of Mt. Vernon Square, Washington, D.C.

Parents of the bride-to-be are the late Thomas H. Jackson III and Judge Frederica Massiah-Jackson. Jason’s parents are the late Lee R. Duffus and Jacqueline M. Carey of Chapel Hill, N.C.

Julia graduated from Philadelphia’s High School of Engineering and Science. She earned a degree in psychology from Wesleyan University, completing her pre-med prerequisite. Julia earned her doctorate in dental medicine from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and the Howard University Hospital residency program in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2011. Sheis in private practice with Franklyn Scott P.C.

Jason, 37, grew up in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and computer science. He is employed at Pantheon Inc. in Reston, Va., as a senior software architect.

The couple met in August 2009 when they were introduced by mutual friends in Washington. On New Year’s Eve, 2012, after a romantic dinner as the ball dropped, Jason proposed on bended knee. Julia was nearly speechless and responded with a resounding, “Yes!”

The happy couple will be married on July 20 at the Merion Tribute House. Family and friends are excited about joining Julia and Jason on this very special occasion.

On a personal note, I am absolutely thrilled to have watched Julia grow from a little girl with my daughters in Jack and Jill of America Inc. She has blossomed into a beautiful, confident, exceptional young woman.

I look forward to sharing the story of her wedding day with you.

Congratulations and very best wishes are extended to Julia and Jason!

There was a terrific turnout with more than 500 supporters attending the Metropolitan Philadelphia Area Chapter Continental Societies Inc.’s (MPAC) 2013 Spring Fling. The affair, the group’s signature scholarship fundraiser, was held at Drexelbrook Catering and Country Club during what has truly been a season of “March Madness.”

MPAC President Joanne M. Nichols extended a gracious and warm welcome to attendees. She said, “Your support enables us to aid young people through our numerous programs. My chapter sisters and I thank you for spending this afternoon with us in celebration of the children we serve.”

MPAC programs include arts and humanities, health activities with asthma workshops, heart health walks and a teen talk about drugs. The education committee has been busy working with young ladies in Montgomery County andrecruiting high school seniors for yearly scholarships.

Employment endeavors have included a mini career fair for students involved in an Upward Bound program at Harcum College. Career exploration exposes students to legal, medical, science and information technology fields.

In the area of recreation, students at Chester Arthur Elementary School in South Philadelphia have experienced their own Special Olympics and been awarded gold medals for their skills.

Members of the arts and humanities committee have assisted with a children’s theater group, collected personal items for families living in shelters and supported an area choir of young ladies from Philadelphia and Camden, N.J.

Continental Societies Inc. is an international philanthropic and public service organization. It was founded in 1956 and incorporated nationally in 1972. Its mission is to foster, develop and promote the health, education, socioeconomic and cultural welfare of disadvantaged and underprivileged children and youth. The organization has more than 43 chapters in 17 states and the District of Colombia and Bermuda. It has served more than one million children and youth in the last five years.

“The Five Point Programmatic Thrust, HEER (Health, Education, Employment, Recreation) Arts and Humanities are the core and foundation of our organizational mission.”

In 1996, some community-oriented women were inspired by the example of hands-on, caring, dedicated service   in Continental chapters locally and nationwide. Linda Wormley Meade and Barbara Stallworth formed the Diamond Cluster Interest Group of the Philadelphia Suburban Community to seek membership into the Continental Societies Inc.

In 1997, The Diamond Cluster Interest Group was officially installed as the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area Chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc. with Linda Wormley Meade serving as chapter president. In 2003, the name of the group was changed to the Metropolitan Philadelphia Area Chapter, Continental Societies Inc.

Current officers serving with President Joanne Nichols are: Katherine Stewart, Jacqueline Greene, Madeline Brown. Other officers are: Eulalia Darius, Camille Byrd, Sylvia Carr, R. Barbara Henderson, Mary Davis, Carolyn Wimbush, Patricia Bantom and Audrey Fisher.

City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Dr. Walter Bantom, Sandra Montique and Joseph Meade, members of the organization’s advisory board, were among distinguished attendees.

Members are: Ann Adderley-Ricks, Alexis Brown, Deborah Bumbry, Karin Coger, Tawnya Combs- James, Viola Curry, Leslie Donnell, Annie Gilbert, Bernice Green, Niya Hargreaves, Tracey Henderson, Marguerite S. Henry, Julia Hill, Maralyn Holmes Evelyn Johns , Victoria Johnson, Cynthia Johnson-Reid , Constance Keaton , Gloria Kittrels, Marge Luby, Regina Meacham-Devero, Rhonda McLemore, Hamirah Mobley, Renee Musgrove, Gloria Pelzer, Celeste Selby, Betty Slocum, Crystal Taylor, A. Diane Taylor, LaVora Valentine-Washington, Sandra Vance, Linda Watson, Brenda J. Watts, Cynthia Weaver and Juanita Woodyard.

Congratulations and thank you for the ongoing support that this outstanding group of women does for our children.

Have a fantastic week “Out& About,” everyone!

What a fabulous affair! The Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes hosted its 63rd annual   luncheon and fashion show at Penns Landing Caterers recently. Fashion coordinator, Just for You Boutique, presented beautiful, elegant spring fashions. The popular boutique is located in Glenside, Pa. This event is the organization’s largest fundraiser with more than 300 people attending this year.

Members of Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes made their own fashion statement wearing the organizations traditional red and white in grand style.

Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes President Vivian Willins said, “Proceeds from this event help to support our numerous charities such as the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Achievement Academy for Boys, provides four education stipends for college bound students, children at the Methodist Home, the St. Barnabas Mission, and the Sickle Cell Association, Delaware Chapter.”

“We are so excited that the Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes will celebrate our 90th anniversary of serving the Philadelphia Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and the Philadelphia area this year in October,” she added.

Other officers serving with Willins are vice president, Sharritha Thigpen-Wyatt, Darlene Sandlin, Gwynne Hoye, Linsey V. Meade, Anita Mogen, Patricia D. Williams, Kathryn Bazemore, Beatrice Goodwin, Sandie Jordan-Gordon and Karen P. Dean.

In accordance with the club motto, “Working Together Works,” the Silhouettes of Philadelphia plan, prepare and participate in a myriad of civic activities throughout the year. They also lend support to the Philadelphia Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., their events and numerous community programs.

The enjoyable luncheon program included a warm welcome by President Willin. Sharritha Thigen-Wyatt did a terrific job as mistress of ceremonies. Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, Bruce Rush, was the program’s special guest speaker.

The invocation was given by Kathryn Bazemore before the delicious luncheon was served. Linsey Meade coordinated great door prizes and raffles.

Special guests “Out & About” enjoying the event included Rosalyn Kilson, northeastern province executive board; Linda Meade, immediate past national president; Loretta Canty, past executive assistant and Cynthia Muse, past province coordinator.

Proceeds from this signature fundraising event continue to support programs that enrich the lives of African Americans and others in our community. In 2012 groups receiving support from the Philadelphia Kappa Silhouettes, in addition to those already mentioned, were the African American Museum of Philadelphia, local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Speaks and the American Diabetes Association.

The organization also helped support the historic Eden Cemetery in Delaware Co., the G.E. Thorn Foundation, Women’s Christian Alliance and the Methodist Home for Children.

Students awarded financial assistance by the group were: Aaliyah Chisolm, Taylor Owens, Briana Walker and Lisa Winder.

Kudos to the 2013 luncheon and fashion show committee for a job well done. They are: Vivistine Taylor, Dorothy Canty, Gertrude Crawley, Ruth Gaskins, Beatrice Goodwin, Gwendolyn Goodwin, Anita Green, Lynn Johnson-Gleaton, Gwynne Hoye, Tanya Johnson, Arlene Kane, Patricia Kendall, Janet Latta, Linsey Meade, Lori Patterson, Elizabeth Rivers, Darlene Sandlin, Barbara Stallworth, Sharrita Thigpen-Wyatt, Laura Walker, Irma Ward-Walker, Patricia Williams and Vivian Willin.

Philadelphia Kappa men Larry Fambry and Anthony F. Patterson Sr. were among those offering generous support that contributed to the event’s success.

Congratulations and best wishes to the entire organization.

Have a fantastic week “Out & About” everyone!

The 13th annual Red Ball presented by Independence Blue Cross was the place to be on Saturday. The Please Touch Museum in historic Fairmount Park was the venue for one of Philadelphia’s premiere black-tie fundraisers that helps support American Red Cross local disaster relief.

This year’s ball was a huge success, raising a record setting amount of money with 1,000 plus supporters in attendance. All proceeds benefitted Red Cross House — The Center for Disaster Recovery, a one-of-a-kind short-term housing facility in University City. Every year, hundreds of local families get on the path to recovery at Red Cross House through casework and a variety of social services.

It is evident that Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes (Ret.) finds her role as Southeastern Pa. Red Cross CEO extremely rewarding. She is distinguished as the first African American to head the Philadelphia based headquarters that serves 4.5 million people. Hughes said, “I credit having a great team in place as the foundation for the incredible service provided by our agency.”

When I spoke with her shortly before she became CEO in May 2011, Judge Hughes told me that she,"looked forward to having a voice." She shared her thoughts since that time with enthusiasm and energy. "As a judge it is very important that there is no perception of bias. People have to know and trust that you will be fair. The Red Cross allows me to have a voice for the disenfranchised, victims of disaster and those in need of help," she said. "We know that disaster will come. The greater question is how do we deal with it? The Red Cross answers this question by taking action to make people stronger and better in the face of these hardships.

One of the many partnerships that help the community is between Southeast Pa. Red Cross and Temple University Beasley School of Law. This is just one of many partnerships that has an array of housing resources, education and other vital services.

Highlights of the evening featured delicious cuisine from the 30 of the region’s finest restaurants, great live music, a silent auction, and fun photo opportunities aboard the museum’s historic carousel. The Devon Seafood Grill took first place for their mouth-watering scallops wrapped in bacon.

Guests had fun bidding on fantastic auction items, including sporting event tickets, sports memorabilia, several getaway packages, and tickets to the main grandstand for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.

The VIP Room occupied the entire lower level of the museum, with food catered by R2L Restaurant and chef, Daniel Stern. CTO Productions provided live music in the main event area. Popular jazz artist Gerald Veasley entertained guests fabulously in the VIP lounge.

President and CEO of the national American Red Cross, Gail McGovern said, “It was an honor to be at the Red Ball to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Red Cross house. Through the Red Cross House, the Southeastern Pa. Chapter has provided food, shelter, comfort and hope for 3000 families over the last decade. Under Judge Renee Hughes’ direction, the chapter always steps up, whether its responding to the 700 disasters that happen each year in the Philadelphia community or pitching in to help during Super Storm Sandy by sending 200 fabulous volunteers. The Red Ball is a blast and I’m so impressed at the outpouring of support for the American Red Cross.”

Just some of those having a great time for a great cause were: Independence Blue Cross CEO, Daniel J. Hilferty; Independence Blue Cross Foundation President the Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake; Wells Fargo executive, A. J. Jordon and Keisha Jordon, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Sheilah Vance, Cheyney University of Pa. President Michelle Howard-Vital and Geri Vital; Richmond Va. Red Cross Regional CEO, Reginald E. Gordon and his wife, Dr. Rashida Gordon, Body Sanctuary Day Spa owner Anna Bostic and UPS executive Tony Johnson and his wife.

Just a few of the many “Out & About” were: Philadelphia Deputy Mayor, Richard Negrin and Karen Negrin; Mayor Michael Nutter’s chief of staff, Everett Gillison and Elaine Gillison, Target executive, Joseph Collins and advertising executive, Elda Bankers.              

Financial contributions and volunteers are always welcomed and needed by the Red Cross. Please visit them on-line, RedCrossPhilly.org for more information.

Have a fantastic week “Out & About” everyone!

Paula Glenn-Lamb recently celebrated her retirement from the City of Philadelphia following 32 years as a distinguished public servant. Nearly 200 family members, friends and co-workers honored her with a lovely party at the Bala Golf and Country Club. “I have always wanted to work to better the lives of others. I am happy that I was able to find environments and fellow workers to accomplish these ideals,” she said.

Paula began her extensive career in public service at the former Philadelphia Psychiatric Center. Her career with the city began with the Health Department at the Philadelphia Nursing Home's city wide Home Care Department with a team of nurses, physicians and therapists. In 1989 she joined the Philadelphia Department of Human Services as a supervisor. She worked in the Family Service Region and then with the Central Referral Unit. This unit provided a central point to procure all in-home and out-of-home services for children and youth.

Paula was born and raised in West Philadelphia and attended Philadelphia public schools. She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls and earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Hampton Institute (now University). She received her master’s degree in social work from Boston University on a fellowship, concentrating in addiction studies.

She has been married to Roland C. Lamb since 1979. The couple has two beautiful daughters, Karas Lamb and Marita Lamb. They have also helped to mentor two beloved nephews, Jason Lamb and Aaron Lamb.

In addition to experiencing an outstanding career, Paula has been an active member of the community. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, the African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas and the Wynnefield Residents Association.She enjoys traveling, and has visited Italy, Peru, the Caribbean, Canada, India and Bangladesh to visit one of her daughters who is employed by State Department. “As a retiree, I plan to continue being involved in community and civic groups, explore her ancestry, travel and do crafting,” Paula said.

Family members celebrating the joyous occasion included Paula’s 90-year-old aunt, Madelyn Lee and cousins Sandra Lee and Lela L. Williams from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Other family members there were: Angela, Everett, Gloria Richardson, Rodger and Nadine Vicks, Frank and Madeleine Glenn, Fred and Dr. Stephanie Poellnitz, Michelle P. Gittens, Karas Lamb, Jason Lamb and Aaron Lamb.

Childhood friends attending included Cynthia Jackson, Arlene Chappelle, Dr. Jane M. Gilmore, Camelia Bowles-Cobb, Mark Chandler, Vicki T. Richardson, Leslie Tanner Moore, Wesley and Renee Allen, Gwen Bailey and Charlene Wiltshire.

Friends traveling from out of town for the special occasion were: Patti James, Krishna Mohammad and Georgette Howard from NY; Gwen Empson and Barbara Brandon from Delaware and Debby and Tony Ambush from Maryland.

Nearly 150 of the guests were current and former co-workers. Other retirees included Shirley Green, Denise Shields, Frank Riley, Ellen Walker, Julius Hayes, Pam Mayo, Margie Pierce, Gladys Pippen, Sydney Bowie, Phyliss Niblack, Geri Wilson, Brenda Goode, Carole Cornelius, Juanita Wright, Joyce Beckett, Gwen Jordan, Robert Moultrie and Marcia Philpot-Murphy.

Fellow members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. “Out & About” were: Joyce Beckett, Neilda Mott, Joanne Ragland, Kyndalle Kouyate, Saundra Gray, Gloria Ruffins, Ellen Walker, Marcia Spencer, Jane Gilmore and Leslie Fletcher serenaded Paula with the Delta “Sweetheart Song.”

Paula was awarded a City of Philadelphia Retirement Plaque presented by Kimberly Ali, operations director of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. A City Council citation was presented by Morgan Cephas on behalf of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

Other highlights of the evening included a wonderful rendition of “To Dream the Impossible Dream” sung by Clarence Nelson. Following dinner, everyone enjoyed delicious desserts prepared by Paula’s former co-worker, Beverly White of “B. Sweet Confects.”

Paula was delighted to receive a monetary gift from everyone in attendance, a photo collage of her image with great and famous Black women and a decorative elephant candle holder from the event committee.

Members of the event committee; Rosalyn Rowell, Sahar Suluki, Theresa Childers, Deedra McDonald, Beverly White, Gail Johnson, Frances Odom, Benita King, Patricia Yard, Anita Tann, Barbara Cobb, Fredia Banks did a fantastic job.

Congratulations and very best wishes are extended to my childhood friend, Paula Glenn-Lamb.

Have a fantastic week “Out & About” everyone!